EPHB2
Description
The EPHB2 (EPH receptor B2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 1.
Ephrin type-B receptor 2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the EPHB2 gene. Ephrin receptors and their ligands, the ephrins, mediate numerous developmental processes, particularly in the nervous system. Based on their structures and sequence relationships, ephrins are divided into the ephrin-A (EFNA) class, which are anchored to the membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol linkage, and the ephrin-B (EFNB) class, which are transmembrane proteins. The Eph family of receptors are divided into 2 groups based on the similarity of their extracellular domain sequences and their affinities for binding ephrin-A and ephrin-B ligands. Ephrin receptors make up the largest subgroup of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family. The protein encoded by this gene is a receptor for ephrin-B family members. EphB2 is part of the NMDA signaling pathway and restoring expression rescues cognitive function in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease. A recessive EphB2 gene is responsible for the crested-feather mutation in pigeons. EPH receptor B2 has been shown to interact with: Abl gene RAS p21 protein activator 1 Src
EPHB2 is a receptor tyrosine kinase that binds to ephrin-B family ligands on neighboring cells, triggering bidirectional signaling. This signaling process, known as forward and reverse signaling, plays a crucial role in various developmental processes. EPHB2 is involved in axon guidance, directing the growth of commissural axons connecting the two temporal lobes, inner ear efferent growth cones, and retinal ganglion cell axons. Beyond axon guidance, EPHB2 regulates dendritic spine development and maturation, promoting the formation of excitatory synapses. Notably, activation of EPHB2 by EFNB1 disrupts the negative regulation of excitatory synapse formation mediated by ARHGEF15. EPHB2 also contributes to other developmental aspects, including angiogenesis, palate development, and inner ear development through regulation of endolymph production. The interplay of forward and reverse signaling through the EFNB2/EPHB2 complex influences the movement and adhesion of cells involved in urethral tubularization and cloacal septation. Additionally, EPHB2 might function as a tumor suppressor and potentially regulate platelet activation and blood coagulation.
EPHB2 is also known as BDPLT22, CAPB, DRT, EK5, EPHT3, ERK, Hek5, PCBC, Tyro5.
